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Are side-by-sides street legal in Alaska?

Alaska's law on side-by-sides and ATVs on public roads, quoted from its own page, with the conditions, equipment and plate rule.

The law in Alaska

Side-by-side (UTV): On some roads. Alaska allows a side-by-side on certain public roads, under the conditions below.
"(g) No person may drive an all-purpose vehicle on any public roadway where the designated maximum speed is greater than 45 miles per hour. ... (A) means any self-propelled vehicle that is designed to travel on wheels or tracks in contact with the ground and is commonly used to transport persons for recreational purposes, including vehicles such as four-wheel drive units, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs);"
ATV (quad): On some roads. Alaska allows an ATV on certain public roads, under the conditions below.
"An APV is an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) that is used on public roads or highways with a speed limit of 45 mph or less in a community that has not prohibited its use."

Alaska DMV: Off-Highway and All-Purpose Vehicles, checked November 2026.

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Side-by-side (UTV) · Alaska

Some roads

On some roads. Alaska allows a side-by-side on certain public roads, under the conditions below.

"(g) No person may drive an all-purpose vehicle on any public roadway where the designated maximum speed is greater than 45 miles per hour. ... (A) means any self-propelled vehicle that is designed to travel on wheels or tracks in contact with the ground and is commonly used to transport persons for recreational purposes, including vehicles such as four-wheel drive units, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs);"

Conditions

"Operate the APV in a community that allows for APV use on a public road or highway"
"Drive APV on roads or highways with a speed limit of 45 mph or less"
"Carry proof of liability insurance"
"(c) No driver of an all-purpose vehicle may travel on a public roadway where that travel is prohibited by a local law or ordinance enacted in accordance with AS 28.01.010 ."
"As of January 1, 2022, DMV is aware of the following communities prohibiting the use of APVs on their roadways: Anchorage Fairbanks Homer Juneau Kenai Palmer Soldotna Wasilla"

Registration and plates

"Beginning January 1, 2022, you must title and register your APV if you intend to operate it on a public road or highway in a community that has not prohibited its use."

Required equipment (6)

Lights and reflectors
Brakes
Throttle
Muffler and emission control system
Require passengers to wear a helmet
Use seat belts, if APV is equipped with them

Driver's license

"Hold a valid license of Class D, or higher"

Riding in Alaska

22 off-road parks listed in Alaska. National forest roads open to your vehicle today.

See Alaska off-road parks

Common questions

Street legal UTV questions

On some roads. Alaska allows a side-by-side on certain public roads, under the conditions below. Source: Alaska DMV: Off-Highway and All-Purpose Vehicles.

On some roads. Alaska allows an ATV on certain public roads, under the conditions below. Source: Alaska DMV: Off-Highway and All-Purpose Vehicles.

Alaska's law says: "Beginning January 1, 2022, you must title and register your APV if you intend to operate it on a public road or highway in a community that has not prohibited its use."

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